Low kidney function

[Falkirk Bairn]

Can low kidney function be reversed?

 

[ColinUK]

Can low kidney function be reversed?

Yes. But according to the doctor I saw today about exactly the same thing said that it depends on how low.

I’m waiting for results of repeat tests to double check the levels and then possibly a referral to a consultant will follow.

What’s going on with your kidney function results Falkirk Bairn? What’s the doctor said?

 

[ColinUK]

I should clarify, she said that there are various things which can be done to reduce the impact of the reduced kidney function and to considerably slow any further decline but that it’s most often difficult to reverse the decline.

 

[Falkirk Bairn]

I should clarify, she said that there are various things which can be done to reduce the impact of the reduced kidney function and to considerably slow any further decline but that it’s most often difficult to reverse the decline.

Hello ColinUK,

Thanks for your reply.

My kidney function has dropped to around 37eGFR over the past year. My GP has said it's almost certainly caused by my Diabetes.
My latest HbA1C was 57. I'm on Metformin (500mg) twice a day + Linagliptin once a day. I also take Atorvastatin 20mg.
My GP has now referred me to a Diabetes Consultant at the local hospital for further investigation. I presume a Diabetes Consultant will also have sound knowledge of kidney function.

 

[ColinUK]

That’s interesting. My HbA1C was 40 at the last reading and I’m on 500mg metformin, 20mg Atorvastatin plus ramipril.
Kidney function has dropped from >90 to 64 at the most recent test (which is being repeated).

I’d expect a diabetes consultant would be a logical step perhaps working in conjunction with a renal specialist maybe?

 

[Loobyloo]

That’s interesting. My HbA1C was 40 at the last reading and I’m on 500mg metformin, 20mg Atorvastatin plus ramipril.
Kidney function has dropped from >90 to 64 at the most recent test (which is being repeated).

I’d expect a diabetes consultant would be a logical step perhaps working in conjunction with a renal specialist maybe?

Mine has improved by about 5 in the last 11 months. Exercise and drinking plenty of water and better diet i suppose. I am reading 64 too Colin and my GP said not too worried as its stable and will monitor every 3 months. Maybe your sudden drop was worth getting checked out. Plus i think you are younger than me which makes a slight difference. Stopping smoking, cutting alcohol and salt helps Losing weight if needed and keeping Blood pressure down also helps. I also read squeezing lemon into water you drink can help keep your kidneys healthy. A quick search of the internet and you can see various articles about this.

Chronic kidney disease

Kidney disease is a term used by doctors to include any abnormality of the kidneys, even if there is only very slight damage.

www.kidney.org.uk

 

[ColinUK]

Mine has improved by about 5 in the last 11 months. Exercise and drinking plenty of water and better diet i suppose. I am reading 64 too Colin and my GP said not too worried as its stable and will monitor every 3 months. Maybe your sudden drop was worth getting checked out. Plus i think you are younger than me which makes a slight difference. Stopping smoking, cutting alcohol and salt helps Losing weight if needed and keeping Blood pressure down also helps. I also read squeezing lemon into water you drink can help keep your kidneys healthy. A quick search of the internet and you can see various articles about this.

Chronic kidney disease

Kidney disease is a term used by doctors to include any abnormality of the kidneys, even if there is only very slight damage.

www.kidney.org.uk

I’m 53.
109 in 2017
92 - 2019
>90 Feb 2020
86 March 2021
64 June 2021

I don’t really drink (far less than 1 unit a month)
Don’t smoke
BP is ok now
Don’t exercise anywhere near enough
And I’m overweight.

The doc said many things can wreck your liver function and 64 isn’t “bad” but it is worth investigation to see what’s going on.

 

[Falkirk Bairn]

Mine has improved by about 5 in the last 11 months. Exercise and drinking plenty of water and better diet i suppose. I am reading 64 too Colin and my GP said not too worried as its stable and will monitor every 3 months. Maybe your sudden drop was worth getting checked out. Plus i think you are younger than me which makes a slight difference. Stopping smoking, cutting alcohol and salt helps Losing weight if needed and keeping Blood pressure down also helps. I also read squeezing lemon into water you drink can help keep your kidneys healthy. A quick search of the internet and you can see various articles about this.

Chronic kidney disease

Kidney disease is a term used by doctors to include any abnormality of the kidneys, even if there is only very slight damage.

www.kidney.org.uk

Hello Loobyloo,
Thanks for your reply.
I don't smoke. I drink very little alcohol and my blood pressure is fine. My GP wonders if the Metformin could be contributing to my decrease in kidney function. I guess I'll just have to wait for my appointment with the Diabetes Consultant.

 

[Loobyloo]

Hello Loobyloo,
Thanks for your reply.
I don't smoke. I drink very little alcohol and my blood pressure is fine. My GP wonders if the Metformin could be contributing to my decrease in kidney function. I guess I'll just have to wait for my appointment with the Diabetes Consultant.

Mine has actually improved even though i am on Metformin 2000mg for 6 months from diagnosis last July then 1000mg for last 5 months. But i have lost 4 stone and exercise lot more and my blood pressure has decreased too. So if Metformin does have negative effect then these actions countered that.

 

[Loobyloo]

I’m 53.
109 in 2017
92 - 2019
>90 Feb 2020
86 March 2021
64 June 2021

I don’t really drink (far less than 1 unit a month)
Don’t smoke
BP is ok now
Don’t exercise anywhere near enough
And I’m overweight.

The doc said many things can wreck your liver function and 64 isn’t “bad” but it is worth investigation to see what’s going on.

I am 58 Colin. Yes my GP said nothing too much to worry about but best monitor. He said anything in the 60s used to be classed as normal years ago. But best for us to do the best we can so doesn't get any worse i suppose. I am going to try to drink more water (possibly with lemon lol) and keep up the exercise and try to lose more weight. I will let you both know if makes any difference at all in 3 months time. Please let me know how you both get along with any changes you decide to make.

 

[ColinUK]

I am 58 Colin. Yes my GP said nothing too much to worry about but best monitor. He said anything in the 60s used to be classed as normal years ago. But best for us to do the best we can so doesn't get any worse i suppose. I am going to try to drink more water (possibly with lemon lol) and keep up the exercise and try to lose more weight. I will let you both know if makes any difference at all in 3 months time. Please let me know how you both get along with any changes you decide to make.

Well I’ll get the results from the retest next week and we’ll see what it suggested.